Moira Kirkwood

I'm a painter and poet born in Sydney Australia, now living a little further south in Wollongong. I've been painting for the past 23 years. I create busy, boldly coloured compositions that often have a post-industrial, highly structured feel.

There's also often a touch of absurdity or light-heartedness in the works. People tell me my works remind them of their childhood and to me this is a good sign.

Although there are many visual artists whose work I'm influenced by - Van Gogh, Rembrandt, Diebenkorn, Australian artists John Olsen, Elizabeth Cummings, Idris Murphy - I'm also very influenced by writers and other creatives - Leonard Cohen; Australian writer Helen Garner; George Saunders. Often it's their approach to their work and faithfulness to the craft that inspires me the most.

Advanced Diploma Fine Art, West Wollongong Institute of TAFE (2000)

Bachelor of Art Theory, College of Fine Arts, University of New South Wales Sydney (2011)

Coming up: group exhibition "Curious Rhythm" at Studio W Gallery, Woolloomooloo NSW hosted by Frances Keevil https://franceskeevil.com.au/exhibitions Opens September

Currently exhibiting at Lonely Coat Books and Art, Gymea https://www.lonelycoat.com.au/

Currently exhibiting at Wollongong Library, Burelli Street Wollongong NSW as part of an IAVA group exhibition "Visual reference" (July - Dec 2023)